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Shaving with an Electric Shaver (Rotary and Foil)
Shaving is the removal of body or
facial hair, a common depilation method using a shaver or any other
device using blades to slice the hair down to the level of the skin.
Both men and women often shave their chest hair, abdominal hair, leg
hair, underarm hair, pubic hair or other body and facial hair.
Shaving is fast, easy, painless, effective, and inexpensive.
Contrary to a widespread misconception, shaving does not result in
increased hair growth. The electric shaver has seriously reduced the
blood loss, but at the expense of closeness. So the primary
disadvantage over regular shaving is, it is not as close. There are
however a few tricks that can help you with closeness. Advantages
are: no skin irritation, less cuts in the skin, no ingrown hairs
(also called razor bumps or pseudofolliculitis barbae), no redness,
no pain.
Results are temporary, lasting only for 1-3 days.
Tools for Shaving
- A good face wash or face
scrub.
- A Glycerin-based pre electric
shave lotion or oil to help soften the beard. By using it, the
beard will start to bristle up as the natural moisture
evaporates. The dry hair will stands up straight allowing you to
get a closer shave.
- An electric razor or also
known as electric shaver. There are two basic head types: Foil
and Rotary. Foils theoretically offer a closer shave, but have
trouble cutting longer hairs. Rotary shavers can cut long hairs,
and are easier to maneuver around difficult areas like the chin
and neck. However, they often don't shave as close as the foils.
Some people think Rotary razors work better on lighter beards.
- Electric razor brush.
- After shave.
Steps for Shaving with Electric Razor
- Choose a quality electric
razor, a reputable brand, like Braun, Remington or Philips.
Personally I own a Philips Philishave HQ 8894 Sensotec
Shaver.
 HQ8894.
It was presented in the movie JAMES BOND 007 'Die Another
Day'.
It has a Pop up trimmer as well. Features also include a
polymer display and 100 minutes of shaving time on an hour
charge. As I know it is called Norelco Spectra 8894XL now.
Also recommended: Braun Syncro 7526. My skin is very
sensitive so I use the pop up trimmer for facial and body
shaving as well. It is good to remove the longer hairs. The
trimmer won't make your face smooth like a baby butt, but if
you are going for that italian look, it is the solution. Not
to mention there is absolutely NO irritation or razor burn
when you use the trimmer part of the shaver. If you plan on
using it in the shower or bath, make sure it is
waterproofed.
- First you should know
whether your face is oily, dry or normal. Your face will
shave closer with a dry face. The opposite is wetshaving,
and it is explained on the shaving page in details.
- Prepare your face. Wash it
with a face wash or scrub, and let it dry thoroughly. Then
use a good glycerin-based pre-shave lotion or gel. Let it
sink into the skin and wait for about 3-5 minutes before you
begin using your shaver.
- Use gentle pressure
against your beard, and shave against the grain of it. That
will help pull the hairs out, so the razor will be able to
cut it lower and this leads to a closer shave.
- Do not press down hard, or
move your shaver too rapidly over your face. This will not
get you a closer shave but will cause your shaver head to
wear out quicker. You need to give it some time to be
effective. Especially under your chin and on your neckarea.
- Aftercare: Apply a
non-alcohol shaving balm. Rosehip Seed Oil, Jojoba oil. Aloe
and tea tree oil can help prevent dry skin and razor burn.
An aftershave is basically not a cologne you put on your
face to smell good. It is supposed to settle your skin down.
Use the time to clean the
heads and foil on your shaver. Use the brush that comes with
your shaver and brush out all the stubble inside. Brush each
head separately and the protective shields as well. Not only
will you get a better shave but you will preserve your
razors longer.
Extra
Tips
- Read the manual that
comes with the razor. It will contain the hints for
getting the closest of shaves.
- Shave daily. Electric
razors are much more effective (and less painful)
cutting short stubby facial hair, and have a tendency to
yank or brush past long hairs.
- Once monthly give the
shaver a complete and thorough cleansing. Run it under
hot water and really get the heads and the blades clean.
Brush out each blade separately.
- After shaves, eau de
toilettes, and colognes are different things with
different uses. Aftershave is for exactly that. It helps
close pores and gives you a fresh scent. Its scent
lingers for about three hours. If you are seeking
fragrance then add cologne or eau de toilettes to your
pulse spots (wrists, neck under the ear, and chest.)
These scents are stronger so unless you are trying to
poison others, only use a little bit. They will last for
5-8 hours.
- If you frequently get
skin irritation while shaving with a razor (razor burn)
consider using an electric shaver with a built-in gel
dispenser to minimize skin irritation.
- An electric razor
should not cut you. If you are bleeding you are using
too much pressure or it is broken. Decide which it is
and fix it.
Unlike a blade, an
electric shaver is intended to be used when your face is
dry, so if you prefer shaving after a hot shower (wetshaving),
this might not be the best choice for you (the waiting
time is 10-15 minutes before you can start using the
electric shaver).
>> Shaving
with regular razor, also called wetshaving
>>
More on shaving creams, soaps, gels and foams
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